Azhar Mahmood Laments Lack of Regular Test Matches After Pakistan’s Defeat to South Africa

Pakistan interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood expressed frustration over the team’s infrequent Test schedule after their eight-wicket loss to South Africa in Rawalpindi, emphasizing the need for consistent cricket to build form and confidence.

Azhar Mahmood Calls for More Regular Test Matches

Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach, Azhar Mahmood, voiced deep concern over the team’s lack of consistent Test cricket following their eight-wicket defeat against South Africa in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The loss handed South Africa a series draw and left Pakistan facing renewed questions about their preparation, consistency, and approach in the longest format.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Azhar lamented that Pakistan’s sparse Test schedule makes it difficult for players to develop rhythm, sustain form, or adapt to challenging conditions.

“It’s unfortunate that we played a Test match before this in January and we will play next in March,” Azhar said. “We have to play Test matches regularly to be able to cope with these issues. We’ve played only four Test matches over four years, and that doesn’t really help.”

His remarks highlight an ongoing issue in Pakistan cricket — the irregular scheduling of red-ball games in an increasingly white-ball-dominated era.

A Frustrating Year for Pakistan’s Test Team

Pakistan’s recent Test record underscores Azhar’s concerns. The team played only a handful of Test matches over the past two years, making it difficult for players to adjust between formats.

Before facing South Africa in October, Pakistan’s last Test outing came against the West Indies in January, which ended in a drawn series. In December 2024, the team suffered a 2-0 series defeat in South Africa, while in October of the same year, they managed a hard-fought 2-1 victory against England in Multan. However, that success was short-lived, as Bangladesh swept Pakistan 2-0 in Rawalpindi in August 2024.

Such inconsistency, both in scheduling and performance, has raised concerns among fans and experts about the direction of Pakistan’s Test program.

Pitches Offer Balance but Require Consistency

Despite the defeat, Azhar Mahmood praised the Rawalpindi pitch, noting that it provided opportunities for both batters and bowlers — unlike the more one-sided surfaces seen earlier in the year.

“The pitches were much better than what we saw against the West Indies,” he said. “There was spin, but there was also assistance for batters who applied themselves, and the fast bowlers also got something out of it.”

Azhar stressed the importance of replicating such balanced conditions in Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure. “If we want to keep making these types of pitches, then we have to ensure our domestic system offers the same challenges. That’s how our batters will learn to handle pressure and adapt to these conditions.”

Domestic Cricket Seen as the Solution

Azhar emphasized that regular participation in domestic cricket is the key to improving players’ mental and technical resilience. “When you play regular domestic cricket, you learn how to respond to difficult situations,” he explained.

He added that the lack of red-ball cricket denies players the chance to correct mistakes and rebuild confidence. “If you play only Test matches after long gaps, you don’t get that learning opportunity. Domestic cricket is the best answer.”

The coach’s statement reflects a growing sentiment that Pakistan’s domestic structure must be better aligned with international standards to bridge the gap between domestic and Test-level performance.

A Collapse That Cost Pakistan the Series

Pakistan’s batting collapse in Rawalpindi proved to be the turning point of the match. Over the last four innings, the team lost a staggering 22 wickets for just 93 runs — a statistic Azhar described as “not acceptable.”

“In our recent training camps, we’ve tried to send a clear message to the players,” he said. “If your top seven batters score around 250-260 runs, then the lower order must contribute too. That was the difference between the two teams in this series.”

Pakistan’s failure to capitalize on strong starts has been a recurring problem. In the Rawalpindi Test, the team had a promising position in the first innings before losing its last five wickets cheaply. This inability to extend innings or build partnerships under pressure has often cost Pakistan crucial matches.

Learning from South Africa’s Lower Order

Azhar Mahmood credited South Africa’s tailenders for showing determination and discipline under pressure — qualities he felt were missing from Pakistan’s lineup. “You can take Muthusamy’s example,” Azhar pointed out. “He scored through sweeps and reverse sweeps throughout his innings. We were blocking a bit too much instead of looking to challenge their bowlers.”

The coach highlighted that modern Test cricket requires adaptability and courage to play proactive shots, even on turning tracks. “This kind of situation requires mental toughness,” he said. “A player should know his strong scoring options, his defensive shots, and when to use them.”

Missed Opportunities and Dropped Catches

Fielding once again proved to be a major concern for Pakistan. Azhar admitted that the team’s inability to hold onto crucial chances in the first innings allowed South Africa to gain the upper hand.

“The turning point of the match was when we failed to capitalize on our 300-plus total in the first innings,” he said. “Our last five wickets fell too quickly, and we also dropped around five chances in South Africa’s first innings. When you do that against a quality side, you pay for it.”

Dropped catches and missed opportunities have been a recurring issue for Pakistan, particularly in Test matches, where maintaining pressure for long periods is essential. Azhar acknowledged that the team’s fielding standards need urgent improvement if they are to compete against top-tier opponents.

Mental Toughness and Shot Selection Key to Success

One of the recurring themes in Azhar’s assessment was mental strength. He emphasized that Pakistan’s players must develop the confidence to rotate strike, play attacking shots when necessary, and resist the temptation to go into their shells.

“Test cricket is all about mental battles,” Azhar said. “You can’t let the bowlers dictate terms. A player must be aware of his scoring options and play with clarity.”

He urged his players to take inspiration from the tactical approach of South Africa’s middle order, who consistently counterattacked and rotated strike to keep the scoreboard moving. “Our batters need to trust their instincts and play to their strengths,” he added.

Pakistan’s Upcoming Fixtures: A Busy Limited-Overs Schedule

With the Test series now concluded, Pakistan’s focus shifts to white-ball cricket. The team is set to face South Africa in a five-match limited-overs tour, starting with a T20I series from October 28 to November 1 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The National Selection Committee has announced a 15-member squad for the series, captained by Salman Ali Agha. The selectors hope that the upcoming T20I and ODI fixtures will help players regain confidence ahead of future red-ball commitments.

Following the T20Is, Pakistan and South Africa will compete in a three-match ODI series at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. Afterward, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in another three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15.

Although Azhar’s current role is limited to the red-ball format, the packed limited-overs schedule provides the management an opportunity to assess player performances and make adjustments for the upcoming Test assignments.

Building for the Future

Azhar Mahmood’s comments reflect a broader challenge facing Pakistan’s cricket system: the balance between formats. In an era dominated by T20 leagues and limited-overs tournaments, Test cricket often struggles to find its place. Yet, as Azhar noted, the longest format remains essential for developing technically sound and mentally strong cricketers.

Pakistan’s cricket administrators, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), have repeatedly discussed expanding the Test calendar, but logistical challenges, tight international schedules, and commercial priorities often stand in the way.

For Azhar, however, the solution is simple: consistent cricket and stronger domestic foundations. Without them, he believes Pakistan will continue to struggle against teams that play Test cricket regularly, such as Australia, England, and South Africa.

Looking Ahead: Lessons from Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi Test may have ended in disappointment, but it offered several lessons for Pakistan. The team showed glimpses of potential in the early sessions but lacked the composure and consistency to sustain pressure.

From dropped catches to lower-order collapses, Pakistan’s vulnerabilities were laid bare — yet these are fixable issues with time, experience, and more exposure. Azhar’s insistence on regular domestic and Test cricket reflects a long-term vision for building a more stable red-ball team.

As Pakistan prepares for a busy few months of international cricket, the focus will remain on rebuilding confidence, sharpening skills, and restoring pride in Test cricket — the format that has historically defined Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.

Conclusion: Time to Reinvent Pakistan’s Test Cricket Path

Azhar Mahmood’s post-match reflections go beyond disappointment; they highlight a roadmap for Pakistan’s Test revival. His call for more frequent Test matches, improved domestic structures, and mental toughness underscores the challenges of modern cricket — and the solutions within reach.

The loss to South Africa was painful, but it could also serve as a turning point. By addressing structural gaps, fostering consistency, and investing in player development, Pakistan can reclaim its identity as one of the world’s great Test-playing nations.

For now, though, the message is clear — Test cricket cannot thrive without continuity, and continuity cannot exist without commitment from the board, players, and management alike.

As the spotlight now shifts to the limited-overs series, Pakistan’s red-ball team will have to wait for March to play again. But if Azhar’s words are anything to go by, that wait may just define the future of Pakistan’s Test cricket journey.

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